Photography
A few quarters back I was forced to take a photography class for my BA. At the time I thought it was insane, pointless, and just time-killing; not that I didn't like taking pictures, I just didn't see how photography would help my any in web development. I still find myself unsure of exactly how it would benefit web development, but I know that having had that photography class has helped ME in general be a better person, if only slightly.
I was the typical amateur photographer, clicking away - point and shoot - and little consideration for the setting, balance, color, focus, or even if my stories told any sort of tale in and of themselves. I took pictures, like the rest of the world, images to remind ME of where I'd been, what I'd done, who I'd seen.
Since taking the photography class I've noticed that my pictures have taken a different turn. No longer are they just where I've been, what I've seen, who I've met - but now the occasionally say something about themselves. Now, I'm no expert and won't claim to be one; but when I consider pictures I've taken a year ago:
From 03Mar2010
I'm forced to consider the photographic voyage from then to now.
From a picture that is of a child holding a power tool, to a picture of a grandfather and grandson sharing a mutual joke, drawing the viewer in to ask 'what are they laughing about?'
From 03Mar2011
to the crystal detail of a single bloom on a plant
From 03Mar2011
it has been such an adventure.
When I'm carrying my camera, I find it to be a subtle reminder to pay attention to everything, you never know when the next great shot could appear...
From 03Mar2011
Thank you for putting me in that photography class, Mr. Diehl, and thank you Mr. Atha for teaching the class; at the very least you taught me to be a slightly better observer of the world in which I live.